The 27-year-old joined the Nerazzurri from Portuguese giants Porto in August and though many have likened him to another Brazilian full-back - Maicon - Pereira revealed it was the former Real Madrid man who caught his eye growing up.

"Roberto Carlos was my role model. He has always been a player I've liked watching," he told Inter Channel.

"I'm the next Maicon? I don't like to make such comparisons. All I can say is I'm glad I had the chance to train with him."

The Uruguay international has made 22 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but despite that impressive tally he remains convinced he can perform even better in the second half of the campaign.

"I'm my own biggest critic. I've only shown a six out of 10 in terms of what I can do. I can do much better," he continued.

"But I always give everything I have for the shirt when I'm on the pitch. Every touch I have on the ball is the most important.

Pereira also commented on the racism storm involving Kevin-Prince Boateng and his decision to leave the field of play after suffering racist abuse at the hands of Pro Patria fans in a recent friendly.

"I don't know what I would do if I was in the same position, it's hard to say," he added.

"I've never had anything like that happen to me. You hear lots of things at the stadium, I just try to ignore them."